US2279490A - Frame fabricating machine - Google Patents

Description

April 14, 1942. F Y@ PEARNE y 2,279,490

FRAME FABRICATING MACHINE Filed -April 8, 1940 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 April 14, 1942 F; Y. PEARNE` FRAME FABRICATING' MACHINE Filed April 8, 1940 prll 14, 1942. F Y PEARNE 2,279,490

FRAME FABRICATING MACHINE 9 'sheets-sheet 3 April 14, 1942. F. Y. PEARNE- 2,279,490

' FRAME FABRICATING MACHINE Filed April 8, 1940 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 April 14, 1942'.` F Y PEALQNE ,2,279,490

FRAME FABRICATI'NG MACHINE n Filed April 8, 1940 9 Sheets-Sheet' 5 rat 4 Z www April 14, 1942. v F. Y. PEARNE FRAME FABRICATING MACHINE Filed April 8. 1940 April 14, 1942. F. Y. PEARNE FRAME FABRICATVING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed April 8, 1940 April 14, 1942. F. Y. PEARNE FRAME FA-ESRICIINCrv MACHINE Filed April 8, 1940 I 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 v Patentec pr. 14, 1942.

` pairs STATES PATE'r OFFICE FRAME FABRICATING MACHINE Frank Y. Pearne, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application April 8, 1940, Serial No. 328,409

. 17 Claims.

This invention relates to an apparatus for assembling and connecting parts and relates more particularly to a machine for fabricating metal frames. A general object of this invention is to provide a rapid, eicient and dependable machine for fabricating frames for use in building constructions, etc.

Another object of this invention is to provide a machine that simultaneously assembles and ties together a plurality of members to constitute a frame Whose parts are in condition for Welding to form a strong, rigid assembly.

Another object of this invention is to provide a machine of the character mentioned embodying stock or material feeding, bending and tying mechanisms synchronized to operate most efficiently in the production of the frame.

Another object of -this invention is to provide -a frame fabricating machine of the character tion.

Another object of this invention is to provide V:a fabricating machine of the character mentioned embodying a single cylinder and piston actuated mechanism for cutting and initially bending the `transverse members of the frame and for holding or clamping the transverse and the diagonal members in place during the nal tying operations.

A further object of this invention is to provide a' machine of the character mentionedr that requires a minimum number of simple manual controls forthe several mechanisms or elements of the apparatus.

The various objects and features of my inven- '.tion will be fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical preferred yform and application of the invention, through# out which description reference is made to the accompanying dravvings,v` in which:

Fig. l isa top or plan view of the machine of the present invention with the pipes and other Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailedsectional view taken as indicated by line 2 2 on Fig. l. Y'

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional View taken as indicated by line 3 3 on Fig. 1. v

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view taken' as indicated by line 4 4 Von Fig. 3. Fig. 5- is an enlarged vertical detailed sectional view of one of the come-along units taken as indicated by line 5 5 on Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectionalviewtaken substantially as indicated by line 6 6 on Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary transverse vertical detailed sectional view taken substantially as indicated by line 1 1 on Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a vertical' vdetailed sectional View taken as indicated by line 8 8 on Fig. 6. n

Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical'detailed sectional view'taken as indicated by line 0 9 on Fig. 1. A

Vfeeding means taken as indicated by line` I2 I2 on Fig. 1.

Fig. .13 is an enlarged vertical detailed sectional vievvtaken substantially as indicated by line l3 l3 on Fig-1. l

Fig'. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line M Id on Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is an enlargedV fragmentary Vertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line I5 I 5 on Fig. 13 showing ,the cylinder of the cutting and initial bending die means in elevation.

Fig. 16 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional View taken as. indicatedby line lli-Iii on Fig. 13.- v

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary horizontal detailed sectional View taken as indicated by line I1 I1 on Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a diagrammatic `View illustratingthe relative positions ofthe parts immediately pre- 1l-"shapefto, have broad base Yflanges 25l Fig. 23 is a plan View of a portion of the frame-v fabricated by the machine. Y

The machine of the present invention. is intended primarily to manufacture or fabricate steel frames useful as reinforcing elements vo r-v structural elements off -building constructions.

Fig. 23 illustrates a portion of a frame of the character fabricated or assembled by the may chine. As illustrated this frame comprises two spaced. substantially parallel longitudinal niembers l0., one .0.17 rnere brace members er diagonal members Il and spaced transverse members I2. Theisevergl rnenibers of. the freine are formed of steek...0f.si.1itelele.shane er Cross. section. In, the typical case illustrated the frame members IB, ll and I2 are formed of round stock. The gauge or diameters o f the stockv of which the frame mem,-

bers are formed may be Varied at will. In the egseillustreted. the longitudinal members i0. are o f heavier gauge than the members .Il and I2. The brace members .01T diagonalnrnembers Il are ef. zigzag shane, eeen having adjacent portions alternately pitched. in. opposite. directions. The adjacent pitched portions, o fv the diagonal mem- Ders. ll. ere ieinedet. englebends lli..v The. bends @weer at. the points eieennectieneithe transverse members l2 withthe longitudinal members ,i

rIne tithe eresentinventien may be said; te eeinnrise. generelmnieans .I4 forfeeding r edveneing the longitudinal freine meinbers il); means I5 for advancing thebrace o r di; ,e

.ggenet members ii; rneeins it. for shaping. er .bending-tile diegene! members il., to. here. the bends I3; means Il assisting in the bending of tbe. fliegenel niernbersii.; Aineens I8 for feeding .eredi/seeing. the. .transverse members.. I2.; a `Cenneetien .er tie .termine enit e. eernprising vrinvii .Clie means ineens. 2 0. fer. cnttingeii end initially bending the transverse framevmembers l2 gnelmeens 2.1 acting en tnetrsnsverse members 1.2., .te eeinelete the .ties between. the. members. l0.

lllA and I2, and iiuid pressure actuating andcon'- trol means 22. A

The. rneehine. preferably includes. e suitable SllPQrilfatme. 01. bed v23j QT @trying its. SBV' eral elements and mechanisms. Ifhe bed 23 is:v

.an elengste structure hsvingiiengitiidinel perte 23a. end trensi/erse Connecting. eer-ts. 2.4. The longitudinal frame members {il}V being fed to the tying unit A may rest on the transverse parts 24 0f the outer or rear portion of the supporting bed 23. Thelongitudinal'frame members. I0 are advanced along the bed 23. in spaced substantially` parallel4 relation` by the means M The means 'lli' includes a shiitableslide or carriage 25. The carriage 25 maybe. of inverted The feeding 'carriage 25 is shiftable along a horizontal plate 2l secured to the upper side of the bed 273. The carriage 25 is guided for longitudinal fvmenton the plate 2l by spaced guides 28.

The guides 28 engage over the edge portions of .Car

-cating 'or operating the carriage. 255.

the flanges 26 to retain the carriage 25 on the plate 2l. Substantially horizontal brackets 29 project from the opposite sides of the carriage 25. The longitudinal members I0 pass above the brackets 2B and are spaced at opposite Sides of the' central vertical axis of the carriage 25.

The means I4 operates to intermittently simultaneously advance the two frame members i0 toward the unit A and includes a pair of come-along units Si) for engaging the members l to advance the same and a pair of similar come-along units 3l for engaging the members yill to hold the same against movement. The come-alongunits 30 are secured to the brackets 29 onnthe carriage 25 for horizontal adjustment toward 'and 'away from one another. Screws 9 onthe uni-ts 3K0 may pass through slots 29ain the brackets 29 to provide for this adjustment. The holding come-along units 3| are adjustably seeuredto brackets 32 xed to the bed. 23. rI-fhe uni-its jucarrgy 'screws' 8, received lin horizontal slets tbe brackets 3,2

1 'lfhelcme-along units 30. and. '3Ifma'ybe of any suitablemorpselected type and construction.

` Fig. 5 of thedrawings have illustratedgoneof the units 3| in detail and will proceed withfa desc ri-pticn.I of the same, it being rimdefrstood that ,they otlierj unit 3l and thatv the units SIZIf-mayV b e similar to or identical with the unit' 3] illustrete'd- The corne-'alongunit 3j* comprises, a 'body 3'3 kprovidedv with a 'horizontal opening 3d 'freely Dessine one elf 'the tiene members 'it in: .elineciy Weilv 3.3 en theinterier ef thedr 33 ineges Witnthe iiening, 34 enfieyreliei; 3.3,.'ifs shiftably supjggcrted` on the Awall 35Y to cooperate with the member il),V @plunger 31 bears inst the relier 356. and e ser-ing 38 tresses eg. nettes eiirigerl teiereefthe .seme eeeinsttiieiienieer L0- .'liie snring .31e-is reeeired, inren, incl-ined. geen:

ing.. .3.3 vin .the bedr. 3? and the einer. endet the spring bears against a threaded plug 'lfllY threaded the inclined., :Opening: A stein 141i; is: attached te tbenliinger 3l: endextends. entwerdlrt opening. in. the. ning` Mite. be menue.

rene-.h

gsgedjier. the pereese ef retrgeting; .theel g.. and allowing the release-Kci` the'roller 3in1y from the member, lili. i

,.Ine gerne-siens units;` iii. en.` the egrriage; 2,5 energie. te; grin the, trarne members. 1.0. Wi-.ientne .lagenieves. terra-rd tneguni-.t asetiiet. the members l0. are edi/.sneed toward the-v .unit .A- The units 3| secured to the stationary bed 2.2;qperete te. grin tbemernbers i0, during the. return strelreei the carriage 25. teheld themernbers. '.0

against;nieveInent.v

. The means` Idiot, intermittently` advancingthe longitudinal .members 1.0 of; the frame fur-ther includes a cylinder and piston meansfovrrecipro- A cylinder 4.5 is arranged in longitudinal alignment with. the carriage `2 5iand isbolted brotherwise iied to.the plate 251. A Vpiston lliiisfoperable inI the `cylinder l and. has:a rod '47. projecting trom. theior'ward end of. the cylinder.` toward the carriage 25. A gland d8 on the forward head or endl ofthe ycylinder 4,5:seals and packsfabout, thepiston rod 41.

-A yoke :"49 onv the4 forward end, of the piston r'od ther carriage 25 to limit the forward movement of the carriage and the piston 46 is cooperable withA the rear end of the cylinder 45 to limit the return movement of the carriage. It is believed that it will be apparent how the means I4 is operable to simultaneously advance the two longitudinal frame members I6 a given distance each operation and how the means operates to return for a succeeding advancement of the frame members I6.

The means I for advancing or feeding the diagonal frame members is operable to simultaneously intermittently advance two members II coincidentally with the advancement of the longitudinal frame members I0. The feed means I5 is adapted to receive the stock for the diagonal frame members II from spools or reels 5|. The stock for the members |I is reeled or wound on the reels 5|. The reels 5I are rotatably supported by suitable bearings 52 on supporting posts 53. The posts 53 are arranged at one side of the bed 23 adjacent the outer or rear end of the bed. The stock for the two diagonal frame members II extends from the reels 5| to the upper side of the bed 23 and is lguided by pairs of rollers 54 rotatably supported on the bed. Spaced longitudinally arranged plates 55 are fixed on the upper side of the bed 23 and two rows of rollers 56 are provided on each plate 55. The rollers 56 are freely rotatable and are grooved or shaped to receive the diagonal frame members I I. The stock for the members II extends from the rollers 54 and is trained between the rows of rollers 56 which operate to straighten vout the stock so that it constitutes the members I I for the frame. The rollers 56 of the adjacent rows are offset to effectively remove the bends or curvatures from the members I I.

The means I5 for feeding or advancing the diagonal frame members I I further includes a shiftable or reciprocable carriage 51. A pair of opposed angle irons 58 is secured to the upper side of the supporting bed 23 to form a track for the carriage 51. The carriage 51 has flanges 59 riding on the lower iianges of the angle irons 58 and the upstanding flanges of the angle irons 58 have cleats 66 engageable by the upper sides of the flanges 59 to hold the carriage 51 against upward movement. A transversely disposed horizontal plate 6I is secured to the upper side of the carriage 51 and projects laterally beyond the angle irons 58. A pair of spaced come-along units 62 is secured to the upper side of the plate 6| and the units 62 cooperate with the spaced frame membersl I to advance the same.

A horizontal plate 63 is secured to the upper sides of the angle irons 58 adjacent the rear ends of the angle irons and carries a pair of spaced stationary come-along units 64. The come-along units 62 and 64 may be similar to the above-described come-along units 33 each having a body 65, a roller 66 adapted to grip a frame member II, and a spring-urged manually retractable plunger 61 for urging the roller 66 against the frame member II. Upon movement of the carriage 51 toward the unit A the come-along units 62 grip the frame members II to advance the same toward the unit A. Upon the return or rearward movement of the carriage 51 the comealong units 64 grip the frame members I I to hold the same against rearward movement. It will be observed that the frame members II handled y8| are fixed to the shaft 19.

members II is operable by ,the means I4 through the medium vof a differential lmechanism to intermittently simultaneously j advance the two diagonalmembers I I. A horizontal v.platform 68 is supported on the plate 21 by vlongitudinally spaced brackets 69. The platform 68 has its forward portion above the Cylinder and the platform extends rearwardly beyond .the vcylinder 45. Spaced opposed angle irons -16 are xed to the upper side of the platform .68 and a pair of independentlyv shiftable racks 1I and 12 is arranged between the angle irons 16. The racks 1I and 12 are guided forindependent longitudinal movement by the angle'irons 16 and by engagement with one another. The upper sides of the racks 1I and 12 are providedwith series of gear teeth. The rack 1| is thicker-thanthe rack 12 to project above the vrack 12. a v

- A rod ,13, is secured to the forward end of the rack 1| and extends forwardly to the shiftable carriage 25 of the means I4. The rack rod .13 passes through an opening in a lateral wing 14 on the carriage 25 and has spaced adjustable nuts 1 5 engageable with the opposite sides of the wing 14. 'Ihis Aconstruction forms a slack connection between the carriage 25 and the rack 1|, the purpose of which will be subsequently described. A rod 16 is secured-to thefrack 12 and extends rearwardly therefrom to they carriage 51. The rod 16 is fixed to a tail 11 on the carriage 51 to connect the rack 12 with the carriage 51.

One pair of the above described brackets 69 'has inwardly projecting bearings 18 rotatably supporting a horizontal shaft 19. Pinions 86 and The pinion 86 meshes with the rack 1| and the pinion 8| meshes with the rack 12 so that the rod 16 and the carriage 51 are moved by or with the carriage 25 through the medium of the rack and pinion drive 1I-12-86-8I. The pinion 8| is larger in diameter than the pinion 86 to have a greater periphas above described occupy a plane or planes` spaced above the plane occupied by the longitudinal frame members I6.

' The means I5 for advancing the diagonal frame eral speed than the pinion so that the rack 12 moves a greater distance than the rack 1| when the carriage 15 is moved or reciprocated as described above. The diiferential pinion and rack drive accordingly provides for an advancing stroke of the carriage 51 and the members II longer than the advancing stroke of the carriage 25 and the members I6. The diagonal frame members I I are advanced a greater distance than the members I6 to provide for or compensate for the difference in the lengths of the members in the nished frame, which difference results from the zigzag shape of the members II, the members I6 being unbent or straight. 4 The above described slack connection betwee the rack rod 13 and the carriage 25 is adjustable to provide for a variation*r in the differential of the advancing movements of the frame members I6 and II so that the machine is suitable for the fabrication of the frames of different widths' and of frames having diagonal members with bends I3 of different angularities. slack connection between the rack rod 13 and the advancing carriage 25 may be adjusted toof the members I6 and II may be related, as necessary. The rack and pinion drive between the carriage 25 and the carriage 51 has a given or Thel known speed; changeI and the carriage 25 has a given strelre.l The adjustable slack connection between therack rodi13 and; the carriage 25 may be adjusted se-that themembers I I are given an advancing. movement of' the required' length, with each advancing movement of themembers I to bring their bends .I-3l in the proper place inthe frame-.- It is to be noted that the cylinder and piston mechanism 4& 48 operates the means I5 for advancing the frame-members II as wellV as the means I4 for advancing the` frame members The means I8 isoperable-by the control and actuating means 2| tobend or shape the diagonal members III to--hav'ethebends I3 andthe adiacent portions i pitchedI in -opposit'e directions as illustratediinrFig.. l23.l The -bending means I6 includes a carriage 18-carriedand guided by the tracks 28 described above (seeF-g. 9). The carriage-1820i thebe'nding means IG is spaced rearwardly from the unit A relativeto the direction of advancement of the frame members II)y and II-. The carriage 18 is providedlwith a plate 19 adapted to clampup against the under surfaces of the tracks 28.l Screws 88 connect the plate 19 with the carriage 18 and are operable to clamp the `plfatel19v against the tracks 28 to lock the carriage 18 inthev adjusted position. When the screws'801 are loosened the carriage 18 may be adus'ted along the tracks 28 tohavethe bending means I6 formthe bends I3 at selected or required positions along the members II.

Thel carriage 18 projects upward-ly and has a lateralfiiange 84| ongits upper end. A shelf 82 of channel iron, or the like, is fixed to the Vflange 8|'. The-shelf- 82- is Ahorizontal and is arranged transverselyof `the bed 23land the tracks l28. The parts are 'related and proportioned sothat the longitudinal members I8 and the diagonal members Ill-passA above theshelf 8.2 in spaced relation thereto. lA pair `of spaced upwardly projecting posts-83 isprovided on each side or longitudinal edge of the shelf 82. Twoguide rods 841 extend between and are secured to the postsA 83 at each edge ofthe-shelf '82- andi are spaced apart verticallyby-fspacingblocks 85. The diagonal frame members 'I'I- pass between the spaced guide rods 84. l The spaced sets of guide rods 8d hold the diagonal lfrarnelmembers 'II against vertical displacement`-'and1 retain the` members in position for be'nd-ingby 'the dies of the means I6.

Themeans |16for bending the frame members lII further includes what Iwill term an anvil-die 88Jand-'twovbending Vdies 81. The .anvil dieY 8S is shifitable verticallyin'to .and out ofthe horizontal plane occupied by the inem-bers` tI, kas held and guided vby the guide Lrlods 8i'. A 'vertical cylinder wis-providedin thecarri'age 18v and a piston 89 operates in the cylinder 88"and"projects from the upper vend vof lilieicarriage. The piston 89 pro 'jeetsb'eyond the upp'erl sideiof 'the shelf 82 and lthe anvil die-86 issecured toa flange 98' on the upper end ofthe piston. It ispreferred to removably attach the anvil die 88 tothe piston 8S. Asfillustrat'ed, screws 9`|- may `serve to lremovably 'attach the'dielto fthe piston'SS. The piston'89 mayr'have acenteringfpost'SZ receiyed'inan opening-93;in the die 88=tocenter=and position the die Thecontrolalid actuating means :22 supplies fluid under pressure to the Ylower end of the cylinder 88 as fw-ill besubsequentlyfdescribed to elevate the v'die 881 to the` plane. of the frame members II. The die T88 isfadaptedx't'o pass upwardly between the spaced framemembers II when the piston 89 'is actuated.

Spring means are provided for returning the die 88 at the completion of each bending operation to a down or retracted position where it does not interfere with theA advancement of the frame members II. Downwardly projecting studs 94. are provided on the flange 98' and pass through openings in the shelf 82. Springs 95 are attached to the lower ends of the studs 9d and are connected with the carriage 13 to return the piston 89 and the die 85 following each bending operation. The heads 88. onv the lower ends of .the studs 94 may cooperate with theunder side of the shelf 82 to limit the upward travel of the piston 89 and to locate the die 86 in position for the bendingV operation. The opposite ends of the die 86 facing toward the spaced frame members II have outwardly converging active faces 91. The angle between the faces 91 is substantially the same as that at the inner sides of the bends I3 in the finished or bent frame members- I I.

The bending dies 81 are movable horizontally toward and away from the active ends of the anvil die 86 by cylinder and piston units. Each of these cylinder and piston unitsincludes al cylinder 83 secured to the shelf 82 and a piston 99 operable in the cylinder. The cylinders 98 are arranged in aligned relation at opposite sides of the pair of spaced frame members i I and are adjustable toward and away from one another so that the machine may form frames of diiferent widths. Aligned slots are provided in the shelf 82 and bolts iil pass through the slots ISU to secure the cylinders 88 to the shelf 82; When the bolts IBI are loosened the cylinders 88, may be shifted or adjusted to have the dies 81 in the proper relation to the spaced frame members II. The inner heads of the cylinders S8 have inwardly projecting flanges |82. There are two spaced flanges |82 on the inner head of each cylinder 98 the spaced anges have opposing guideways The bending dies 81 are horizontally disposed plate-like members and their opposite edge portions are slidably received in the guideways |83. The bending dies 31 are attached to rods |05 extending forwardly from the pistons -to be actuated by the pistons. The guideways |83 maintain the dies 81 in a horizontal plane for correct engagement with the diagonal frame members li. The inner or active ends of the dies 81 have inwardly divergingactive faces |85 pitched at substantially the same angle as the active faces 91 of the anvil die 85. The control means 22 supplies fluid under pressure to the outer ends of the cylinders 98 to force the dies S1 inwardly into bending cooperation with the diagonal frame members II. The inwardly moving dies 81 bend the members I I into conformity to the end faces 91 of the anvil die 85 and thus provide the frame members with the bends I3 and the adjacent pitched portions. It will be seen that the trailing portions or unbent portions of the frame members II are made to cross one another when the dies 81 are operated to form the bends I3. For this reason the trailing or unbent portions of the members II occupy different horizontal planes to pass one over the other. Springs |06 operate to return the dies 81 to their retracted positions following each bending operation. The springs |88 may be connected to the posts |81 on the dies 81 and to the inner heads of the cylinders 9S.

The means I1 acts on the trailing or unbent portions of the diagonal frame members II rto cross the same and, to. assist the means I6 in vframe members I and II.

of the means I1 may be supported on the bed 23 by suitable brackets ||0. The cylinders |08 are supported to be spaced above the tracks 28, the carriage 25, etc., and are located so thatthe frame members |I pass between them. Rods III are attached to the pistons |09 and extend from the cylinders |08. The cylinders |08 preferably have iinished external surfaces and bearing-like slides I2 are shiftable longitudinally on the cylinders. The rods have cross heads II3 on their outer ends and two spaced rods II4 extend inwardly from each cross Vhead II3. The rods |I4 are attached to the slides II2 of the related cylinders |08. The rods ||4 connect, the slides II2 with the piston rods III Vand pistons |09 to be operated thereby. L

One slide ||2 has a depending loop |I5 receiving a diagonal frame member and the other slide |-I2 has an upwardly projecting loop II5 receiving the other member II. The loops II5 on the slides ||2 cooperate with .the members I I to cause the members to move with the slides. The cylinder and piston units of the means I1 are related so that the piston rod III of one unit is fully extended when the piston'rod'v III of the other unit is fully retracted. The means 22 supplies fluid under pressure to the opposite ends of the cylinders |08 and thus operates to reverse the positions of the pistons |09'concurrently with or following the operation of the bending means I6 so that the loops I I5v cooperating with the frame members move .or assist in mbving the members across one another as the bends I3 are formed. At each operation of the bending means I0 the means I1 operates .to cross the frame members II one over theother in conformity to the bends I3 made in the members. l

The invention includes means for maintaining the diagonal members in spaced horizontal planes for engagement by the means I1 just described. Two longitudinally spaced guide units or assemblies B are provided to'guide` the frame mlembers II. Each guide assembly Bincludes two spaced posts IIO and three vertically spaced horizontal guide rods ||1 extendingr between the posts IIS. The guide rodsV I1 extend transversely of the bed 23 and are positioned so that one member II passes between the upper and middle rod ||1 and the other member |I passes between the middle and lower rods II 1. One guide assembly is positioned4 adjacent the means |1 and its posts II6 may be secured to the brackets II0 by bolts H8.` The other guide assemblyB is spaced rearwardly from the means I1 and is suitably mounted on the bed 23. The spaced guide assembliesA B are of suiiicient transverse extent or length to allow for the free criss-crossing of the members I I'by the means IIand |1. :'m;

The mieans I8 is provided to intermittently feed material or stock S to the tie forming' unit A to form the transverse members I2 of the frame. The feeding means I8 is located adjacent The cylinders |08 riage is operable by the piston |30.

trol and actuating means 22 supplies fluid under' passes from the -reel and at one side of the forward end of the bed 23 to be in transverse alignment with the unit A.

VThe means I8 may include a'suitable frame or bed ||9 and a horizontal top plate |20 on the bed. A reel |2| carriesa lsupply of the stock 'S and is rotatably supported on a post|22 adjacent the outer end,` of the bed I|9. The stock `S passes from the reel I2I across the top of.

the plate |20 toward the unitA. A series of guiding and straightening rollers |23 is provided on the plate |20 to straighten .the stock S as it I2I. guides |24 are provided on the bed |I9 land a carriage |25 is supported by the guides |24 for horizontal movement toward and away from the unit A. A come-along unit |26 is secured to the carriage |25 and cooperates with thevstock S for the purpose of advancing it toward the unit A. A stationary come-along unit |21 is secured to the plate |20 and has cooperation with the stock S. The units ,|26 and |21 may be similar to or identical with the units 3| described in detail above. A guide tube |28 may extend from the unit |21 toward the tie-forming unit A.

The means for shifting or operating the carriage I 25 of the means I8 comprises a cylinder |20 secured in the bed I I9 and a piston |30 operable in the cylinder. A piston rod |3| is connected with the piston |30 and extends from one end of the cylinderIZS. The rod |3| is secured to the carriage |25 by nuts |32 so that the car- The conpressure to the opposite ends of the'cylinder |29 to-reciprocate the carriage |25 s o that the means I8 intermittently feeds or advances a predetermined amount of the stock S to the unit A. An adjustable stop |33 is connected with the guides |24 to limit the stroke of thecarriage |25.` Pins `|34 may be employed to secure the stop |33 in adjusted position to provide for the advancement of the stock S a selected distance each actuation of the means I8. Themeans I8 is operable by and under the control of the mleans 22 to intermittently feed the stock S for the members I2 to the unit A in correct synchronism with the other `elements of the machine, as will be hereinafter described.

The unit A is the tie or the connection forming unit of the machine operating to bend the opposite end portions of the transverse members I2 about the longitudinal members I0 at Vthe bends I3 to secure the several members I0, `II and I2 together for subsequent welding and 'through openings in the plates |38 and extend through the slot |31 to connect the plates at the opposite sides of the rib and to hold the plates clamped against the rib. 'When the bolts |39 are loosened the plates |38 may be adjusted to Vary the spacing between the inner opposing edges of the plates occupying the same vertical planes. This adjust-ment may adapt the machine :for the handling of frames of different widths.

Spaced horizontal Bolts -'|40 and other connecting parts to be hereinafter described serve to connect the sets or pairs of opposing parallel vplates '|38 for simultaneous adjustment.

Screw means is provided for adjusting the sets -or pairs of right and left hand plates |38 toward and away rfrom one another. A horizontally 4.disposed screw |`4| is arranged between the lower portions vof the plates |38 in parallel relation to the base rib |36. The intermediate portion of the :screw |4| may be rotatably supported by a suitable bearing |'42on the rib |36 and a similar 'bearing |43 may rotatably carry one end portion #of the screw. Nuts |44 are connected to and mounted 'between 'the sets or spaced parallel right and left hand `plates |38. Studs or trunnions .|45 project from opposite sides of the nuts |44 Ito pass through openings in the plates |38 and nuts |46 are threaded on the outer ends of the studs to engage against the outer sides of the plates. 'Thescrew "|4| is threaded through 'the nuts |44. One -end portion of the screw 4| carries a right hand thread and the other end portion of the screw |41 carries a left hand thread. A suitable 'hand wheel |f4'1 is secured L to the end of the screw |`4| adjacent the bearing |43. The screw |4| 'has shouldered engagement with one end ofthe bearing |43 and the wheel |47 .has engagement against the other end of the :bearing |43 so that the screw `is 'held against i' longitudinal movement. When the bo'lts |39 are loosened the screw :|41 may be: rotated by means of the hand wheel v|41 to adjust the sets or pairs of right and left hand plates |38 towardor away from one another to vary the spacing between the opposing inner edges of the plates.

I'he anvil die means I9 is embodied in the unit A to support the longitudinal frame members |'0 `and the diagonal frame members during the formation of the connections or ties of the frame. The means |`9 includes a stationary 'anvil die |48 secured toeach rear plate |33, that is, to each plate |36 that faces the bed 23 and that is in trailing relation to the advancing trame. The plates |38`have notches |49 in their inner edges and die plates |59 are secured to the plates |38 to project upwardly to the notches |49. The die plates |50 have heads |5| of lincreased thickness and the stationary anvil dies V64B have tongue and groove connections |52 with ff the 'heads 15| and set screws |l53 are provided to lock the dies in place. The upper active faces of the stationary anvil dies have notches |54 and a't horizontal faces :|55 extending inwardly from the notches |54 to the inner sides of the i The anvil die means `|9 further includes movi Aalf-le anvil dies |156 associated with the front or forward pla-tes |38. Die carrying plates |51 are A.arranged against the rear -or `inner sides of the vforward plates |133 to carry the movable anvil dies |56. .The plates |51 have thickened heads land the dies .|56 are secured to these heads by "tongue and groove connections |58. The dies |66 `are adjustable on the heads of the plates `|'51 and set screws |59 are provided to lock the dies fleO -the slots |63.

bosses |62 project upwardly from the faces |6| at the inner walls of the notches |60. illustrated in Fig. 17 of the drawings the bosses As 4best l|62 project upwardly between the longitudinal frame members |0 and the angular portions of 'the diagonal members The bosses |62 are engageable by the frame members I0 to prevent them from shifting inwardly toward one another. In accordance with the invention the vcarrier plates |51 are shiftable vertically whereby the dies |56 may be moved into and out of their active positions. Spaced vertical slots `|63 are provided in each front plate |33 and the plates |51 have studs |64 extending outwardlythrough The studs |64 guide the plates |51 for vertical movement. Nuts |65 are provided on the outer 4ends of the studs |64 to retain the die carrying plates |51 in engagement with the inner sides of the plates |38.

The anvil die means |9 further includes a cylinder and piston mechanism for shifting the dies |56 to their active positions. Channel irons |66 are secured to the inner sides of the opposing parallel plates |38 above the base |35 and carry a vertically disposed cylinder |61.. The studs |45 pass through horizontal slots |68 in the channel.

irons y|66 to permit adjustment of the sets or pairs of plates |38 relative to one another. The studs |45 may serve to secure the angle irons |66 'to the plates |38. A piston |69 operates in the cylinder |61 andvhas a rod |10 projecting 'from the upper end of the cylinder. A cross head |1'| is secured to the projecting upper end of the piston rod |10. The cross head |1| is of sufcient width to have engagement with the inner sides of the spaced parallel plates |38 to be guided by the plates. The cross head |1| engages upwardly against the lower ends of the carrier plates |51 of the dies 56 and when the piston |69 is moved upwardly the cross head cooperating with the plates |51 moves the dies |56 up to their active work-engaging positions. The cross head |1| is of sufficient length to cooperate with the lower ends of the plates |51 throughout the range of adjustment of the unit A. The control and octuating means 2,2 admits fluid under pressure to the lower end of the cylinder |61 to raise the dies 56 in the manner described above.

Adjustable means is provided for limiting the upward movement of the piston |69 and the vdies |56. Upwardly extending rods |12 are secured tothe lower end or head of the cylinder |61 and extend upwardly at opposite sides ofthe cylinder. A transverse or horizontal stop bar 13 has openings receiving the upper portions of the rods |12. The bar |13 is adjustably connected with the rods |12 by nuts |14 threaded on the rods. .The bar |13 is engageable by the cross head |1| to limit the upward `travel of the piston |69 and thereby limit the upward movement of the anvil dies |56. By adjusting the bar |13 vertically the die elevating means may be regulated to position the dies |56 for cooperation with frame members I0 and of different diameters or gauges.

Spring means is provided for returning the :dies |56 to their retracted positions at the cmpletion of the bending and tying operations. Extensible helical springs |15 are secured to the lower studs |64 and have their lower ends van- 2,279,490 chored to studs |18 on the platesv |39. The

springs are extended when the dies |56 are raised and when the fluid pressure is removed from below the piston |69 the springs |15 return the dies to their retracted positions. The anvil dies |56 are retracted to positions below the plane of the frame being fabricated by the machine to permit the free advancement of the frame at the completion of each tying operation.

The shiftable anvil dies |56 are connected for simultaneous movement and for accurate transverse adjustment. A double ended screw |11 eX- tends horizontally between the spaced anvil dies |56 and has its opposite ends threaded in openings in the opposing sides of the dies. The screw |11 has a right hand thread on one end portion and a lefthand thread on the opposite end portion. A polygonal part |18 is provided on the screw |11 between its threads to be engaged by a wrench or the like for turning the screw. Lock nuts |19 are threaded on the screw |11 and are adapted to clamp against thedies I to lock the dies in the adjusted position. When the set screws |59 and the nuts |19 are loosened the screw |11 may be rotated to adjust the dies |55 toward or away from one another to bring them to positions where they have correct engagement with the work or frame members.

The means 20 operates to cut the stock S as it is fed to the unit A to form the transverse frame members I2 and operates to initially bend the members I2 and clamp them in place for the final bending and tying operations. The means 29 includes an elongate horizontally disposed cross head |98 arranged between the plates I 38 above the anvil die means I9. The cross head |89 is shiftable vertically toward and away from theranvil dies |48 and |56. The lower edge of the cross head has a longitudinal groove |85. The means 29 further includes a pair of dies |82 carried by the cross head |89. The dies |82 are spaced apart longitudinally of the cross head |88 and occupy a vertical plane spaced between the planes occupied by the pairs of anvil dies |48 and |56. The dies |82 have tongues I 83 received in the groove IBI. Set screws |84 are threaded through openings in the cross head |89 and cooperate with grooves |85 inthe tongues|83 to lock the dies |82 in place.

Means is provided for adjusting the dies |82 r toward and away from one another to have oo operation with transverse frame members I2 of diierent lengths. A double ended screw |88 has its opposite end portions threaded in the dies |82. One end part of the screw |86 has a right hand thread and the other end of the screw has a left hand thread. Lock nuts |81 are threaded on the screw |86 and are adapted to engage the dies |82 to lock the same in adjusted position. When the set screws |84 and the nuts |81 are loosened the screw |86 may be turned to adjust the dies |82 toward or away from one another to the correct positions. The lock nuts |81 and the set screws |84 are then tightened down to set the dies |82 in place.

VThe stock S when fed into the unitA lies transversely across the frame members I9 and I I and is spaced above the frame members. Upon downward movement of `the dies |82 toward the anvil dies |48 and |58 the dies |82 act as shearing elements or knives to cut the stock S at two spaced points to provide a'transverse frame inember I2. The lower ends of the dies |82' have grooves |88 for receiving the stock S'when the dies move downwardly and knives |89 of hard material are securedto the outer ends of the dies' |82 to have shearing engagement with the stock S. Shear blocks |98 are arranged between the opposing parallel 4plates |38 to form stationary shear elements for the cutting olf of the members I2. Studs I9I project from the opposite ends of the blocks '|99 and are received in. inclined slots I 92 in the plates |38. Nuts |93 are threaded on theopposite ends of the studs |9| to clamp against the outer sides of the plates |38 and clamp the blocks in adjusted positions. When the nuts |93 are loosened the blocks |90 may be adjusted to bring the blocks in correct relation to the vertically shiftable dies I 82 and to bring the blocks in positionl to have proper supporting engagement with stock S of different gauge. Screws |94 are threaded through lugs |95 on the `inner Ysidesof the plates `|38 and clamp against the blocks |99 to hold the blocks against turning and tipping. Grooves |96 are provided in theupper'sides of the blocks |99 to receive the stock S as it is fed into the u nit A by the means I8. Knives I 91 are'provided on the inner sides of the blocks |90.l The inner faces of the knives |91 are in'substantially the same vertical plane `as vthe outerfaces ofthe knives When the means I8 feeds the stock S into the unit `A thestock rests in the grooves |96 of the blocks |90 to be clear of the anvil dies v|48 and I 58` and whenthe dies |82 move downwardly the knives |89 and |91 shear off or out the stock S. The stock S is fed inwardly a suicient extent to have a short outer end part cut off during the above operation. The stock S isy cut off at two longitudinally spacedpoints, as described above,

yto assure a balance of the forces on the means 20 and to assure the correct length of the members I2. n v v The lower ends ofthe dies |82 are shaped to give theY transversev ymembers I2 their initial 'shape or bendsv and to clamp the members I2 tightlyagainst the members IIJ and II for the iinal tying operations. Av notch |98 is provided in the lower facerof each die |82. The outer walls of the notches |98 are vertical and of substantial extent. Y These vertical outer walls of the notches |98\lie, in planes slightly oliset from Ythe planes occupied by the outer ends of the anvil dies |48 and |56. notches |98 slope downwardly and inwardly re1- ativeto the centralvertical axis of the unit A. Flat substantially horizontal faces, |99 l extend from theinclinedinner walls of the notches |98 to the inner ends of the dies |82. When the dies |82 move downwardly the stock S is received in the grooves |88 and |96 and the stock is cut off as described above to form a member I2. As

the downward movement of the dies |82 is con-k tinued the member I2 is brought down against the frame members I8 supported on the anvil dies I 49 and I 55. The grooves |88 cooperating with the end portions of the member I2' bend these portions downwardly and as this ,bending continues the corners occurring at the points of joinder of the grooves |88 and the notches |98l `the notches |98. The` intermediate portion of ,the transverse member |2`is bent or forced do-Wn- Wardly so that it remains substantially straight The inner walls of the.

.-justment oper-ations.

and occupies substantially the same horizontal plane as .the-diagonal members I I. IIhe bending of the end portions of the member |2 downwardly and inwardly, as above described, causes the member I2 -to curve about the upper portions of the longitudinal frame members I0 and the parts of the member l2 bent by the inclined walls of the notches |98 are clamped tightly against the bends I3 to hold the members I| out against the members I0. Fig. 19 illustrates the condition of a transverse member I2 at the completion of the down stroke of the pair of dies |82.

It is to be understood that the stock S for the member |2 is received between the plates |38 in a plane spaced between the vertical planes occupied by the spaced sets of anvil dies |48 `and |56, The dies |82 occupy substantially the same vertical plane as the stock S and following the cutting off of the transverse member I2 operate to bend its end portions downwardly and inwardly between the spaced sets of anvil dies |68 and |56. The dies |82 remain in tight cooperation with the transverse member |2 to clamp the frame against the anvil dies |48 and I5t` for the nnal bending and tie forming operations.

The means 20 includes a cylinder 200 and a ram or piston `20| operable in the cylinder for forcing the dies |82 downwardly. The cylinder 200 is vertically disposed between the upper portions of the front and rear plates |30 and is attached to horizontal channel irons 202. Spacer blocks 203 vare arranged against the inner sides of the plates '|30 and the channel irons 202 engage against the blocks. Bolts 204 pass through horizontal openings in the plates |38 and the blocks I203 and extend through horizontal slots 205 in the channel irons 202. When the pairs .of spaced parallel plates |38 are to be adjusted toward or away fromone another to adapt the A for the handling of frames of different widths the bolts 204 are loosened so that the channel irons 202 do not interfere with the ad- The piston 20| extends downwardly from the lower end of the cylinder `200 and its lower end is attached to the cross head |80 by bolts 206. The control and actuating means 22 supplies uid under pressure to the upper end of the cylinder 200 Ato force the cross head |80 and the dies |82 downwardly for the `cutting and initial bending operations described I above.

Spring means -is provided for returning the ram v20| and the dies |82 to their retracted up positions. A plate 201 is attached to the head of the cylinder 200 and `extensible return springs 2,08 have their upper ends attached to the plate 201 by hooks 209. Hooks 2I0 connect the lower ends of the springs 2.08 with the cross head |80. When the fluid pressure is removed from the upper end of the cylinder 200 the springs 203 operate to automatically return the cross head |851 and the dies |182 to normal positions-such as shown in Fig. 13. n y

The means 2| operates .to complete the bending of the end portions of the transverse members |2 to form tight ties between the transverse members and the vframe members I0 and I. The means 2| includes a swinging or pivoted arm 2| between each pair of front and back plates |33. Each arm 2|I has a downwardly and outwardly inclined upper part Aand a downwardly and inwardly inclined lflower part. The upper parts of the arms 2|| `are bifurcated -to pass the opposite end portions of the cross head |30. The lower portions Vof the arms 2;|| may be solid and of reduced thickness. The upper ends of the arms 2|| are pivotally supported between the spaced rparallel plates |33.. Pivot pins 2|42 have their vopposite end portions turnable in openingsy in '2|3 the active die parts on the arms 2|| may be made lto have correct engagement with the bent end portions of members I2 of different diameters or gauges.

Die parts 2H are secured to the lower parts of the arms 25|. The die parts HG are platelike members facing upwardly. The in-ner edges or noses of the die parts 216 are preferably rounded-andgrooves 2 extend across the upper faces of the parts I6 and over their noses. 'The grooves 2|`| are adapted to have engagement with the bent end portions of the transverse members I2. The upper active faces of the die parts 2I-5 are substantially tangent to the arcs of swinging or pivotal movement of the ari-ns 2| When the arms 2I| move inwardly the curved or rounded noses of the Vparts ZIE engage the partially bent end portions of the transverse frame member I2 and bend them upwardly and inwardly to complete eyes E on the member I2. The movement of the arms 2|| is such that the die parts 2^I-6 bend the end rportions of Ithe mem- `ber `I2 to tightly wrap about the longitudinal frame members I0 and to engage upwardly against the diagonal members at their bends I3. The members are gripped between the end Vparts of Vthe transverse member I2 and the inclinedparts of the member I-2 bent downwardly by inclined walls of the notches |08. The die parts 2 |6 pass upwardly between the spacedpairs of anvil dies |43 and |55. It is to be understood that the -f-rame or Werl; is clamped and held between the anvil dies l|138 and |56 and the initial bending dies |82 during the completion of thc tie eyes E, as described above.

Cylinder and piston means are provided Vfor operating the arms 2|| of the means 2|. ln the preferred form of the invention separate cylinder and piston units Vare provided 'for operating `the individual arms 2I-|. Each of these units includes a cylinder 2I9 and a /piston 220 operating in the cylinder. The cylinders 2|9 have tongues 22| on `their lower ends received between the up-turned lugs 222 on the outer edges Vof the spaced parallel plates l|38. P-ivot pins 223 extend through openings in the lugs -22-2 and the tongues 221| to pivotally secure the lower ends of Ythe cylinders to the plates. Rods 224 are connected with the pistons 220 and extend from the -upper ends of the cylinders 2|9. The piston `rods V224| extend upwardly and inwardly toward the `lower ends of the arms 2|I and their projecting parts are received between the spaced lugs 225 on the arms. Pivot pins 226 pass through openings in the lugs 225 and the piston rods 224 to vpivotally connect the rods with the arms 2| I. The control and actuating means 22 supplies fluid under pressure to the lower ends of the cylinders v210 to force the pistons 220 upwardly and thus `swing the arms 2II inwardly.

Adjustable stop screws 22'! are threaded through lugs on the arms 2| I l and are engageable with the outer edges of the aligned plates cylinder 244 to close the port 245. The port 245 |38 to limit the inward swinging of the arms 2| I. Means are provided for returning the arms 2I| after each operation of the final bending and tie forming means 2|. Each rear supporting plate |38 has a bracket 228 projecting from its outer edge. Extensible helical springs 229 are connected between the arms 2| I and the outer ends of the brackets 228. Ihe springs 229 are operable to automatically return the arms 2| I to their out or retracted positions when the fluid pressure is removed from behind the pistons 229.

The means 22 controls and actuates the several cylinder and piston units and mechanisms described above. The means 22 includes a pump 230, or the equivalent, for supplying or delivering fluid under pressure to the lines of the means 22. A tank 23| supplies fluid to the pump 239. A pipe 232 extends from the pump 236 to a master valve V and has two branches 233 communicating with the valve V at longitudinally spaced points. The valve V is in the nature of a manually oper-- ated balanced four-Way valve. As diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 22 the valve V may be a balanced piston valve. An operating lever 234 is provided to shift the piston or movable element of the valve V. The operation of the valve V will be hereinafter describe-d. A pipe or line 235 extends from the valve V to the upper end of the cylinder 299 of the cutting and initial bending means 29. The line 235 has branches 236 and 231 communicating with the cylinders 88 and |61, respectively. The cylinders 2| 9 of the means 2| are supplied with iluid under pressure by a line 238 connected with the line 235. In the particular arrangement illustrated the line 238 is connected with the branch 231 of the line 235.`

'Ihe line 235 is provided with a pressure regulating valve 240 that opens when a given pressure builds up in the line 235 and its branches 236 and 231 following the actuation of the pistons 29|, |69 and 89. In accordance with the broader aspects of the invention the valve 249 may be any suitable form of pressure relief valve or pressure regulating valve that is always open to flow in one direction in the line 238 and that opens to permit the flow in the other direction only after a predetermined pressure has built up in the line. Fig. 21 illustrates a valve 240 that may be employ-m in the fluid handling system of the apparatus, it being understood that the invention is not to be construed as limited to its employment.

The Valve 249 illustrated in Fig, 21 includes a -body 24| connected in the fluid handling system, for example, connected between the branch line 231 and the line 238. The body 24| has a passage 242 directly connecting the lines 231 and 238 which passage is controlled by a ball check 243. The ball check 243 prevents flow from the line 231 to the line 238 and allows a return flow in the opposite direction. A cylinder 244 is provided n the Valve body 24| and ports 245 and 246 join the passage 242 at opposite sides of the ball check 243 and extend to the cylinder 244. The port 245 communicates with the inner end of the cylinder 244 while the port 246 joins the side of the cylinder 244 adjacent its inner end. A plunger 241 operates in the cylinder 244 and is adapted to cut off the port 246. A plug 248 closes the outer end of the cylinder 244 and a spring 249 is arranged under compression between the plug 248 and the plunger 241 to urge the plunger to its closed position. A part 250 of reduced diameter is provided on the inner end of the piston 241 and engages the inner wall of the is smaller in diameter than the cylinder 244. The valve part 259 is considerably smaller in diameter than the remainder of the plunger 241.

The spring 249 normally'holds the plunger 241 in the position where the part 259 closes the port 245 to prevent the flow of fluid under pressure from the branch line 231 to the line 238. When the pressure in the line 235 and the branch 231 builds up to a given value the pressure acting on the plunger part 250 exposed at the port 245 overcomes the spring 249 and moves the plunger 241 outwardly. When the plunger part 250 moves outwardly away from the port 245 fluid pressure from the branch line 231 acts on the part 258 and the end of the plunger 241 to move the plunger outwardly to a position where the port 246 is uncovered. Thus when the pressure builds up in the line 235 and its 4branches 236 and 231 after actuation of the pistons |69, 89 and 20|, the valve 249 opens to permit the now of uid pressure through the line 238 to the cylinders 2| 9. 'Ihis provides for the actuation of the means 2| following the actuation of the means 29 and the conditioning of the die 86. In accordance with the invention the pistons |69 and 89 move the dies |56 and the die 86 to their active positions before suicient pressure is applied to the piston 29| to cause the knives |89 and I 91 to cut through the stock S. Upon completion of the down stroke of the piston 29| and its dies |82 the pressure builds up in the line 231 to open the valve 249, as described above. Pressure thus admitted to the line 238 acts on the pistons 228 t0 move the arms 2| I' inwardly so that the die partsV 2|6` bend the end portions of the transverse member I2 to com- A the pistons 99 to actuate the means I6 and form f the bends I3 in the frame vmembers II. The die 86 is held in the active position by the pressure acting on the piston 89 during the operation of the pistons 99 and the bending dies 81.r i

A pipe or line 253 extends from the line 25| to the cylinder 45 of the feed means I4. The line 253 communicates with the forward end of the cylinder 45. A valve 254 similar to the above described valve 249 is connectedY in the line 253. The valve 254 is designed tov open when the fluid pressure in the line 25| has built up to a given value after 'actuation of the pistons 99. The fluid pressure thus admitted te the line 253 acts on the piston 46 to return the piston and the carriage 25 of the means I4 to their retracted positions for the next feed stroke. Fig. 6 of the drawingsr illustrates the elements of the means I4 in the retracted condition.

A fluid pressure return line 255 extends from adjacent the cylinder 45 to the fluid supply tank 23|. A valve 256 is provided to. control communication of the forward end ofthe cylinder 45 and the line 253 with thereturn lineu255.

The valve 256 is in the nature of a cylinderV and cation with the 4return line 255.

provided on the rod 258 and are engageable by the yoke 260. When the piston i6 is traveling rearwardly in the cylinder 45 the valve piston 251 is in a position where it closes 01T communication between the return line.255 and the line 253. When the piston 46 approaches the end of its return stroke the yoke 260 engages a stop 26| to move the piston 251 to a position where the lineV 253 is put in communication with the return line 255. This relieves the pressure on the piston 46 and allows a free circulation of fluid through the fluid pressure lines from the pump 230 to the tank 23|. At this time the operator may move the valve V to a neutral position.

A line 262 extends from the valve V to the rear end of the cylinder 45. An automatic con- Ytrol valve 263 is connected between the line 262 and the return line 255. The valve 253 may be similar to the valve 256 Yand its piston 264 has a rod 265 Yextending in parallel relation to the rod 41. A yoke 266 on the cross head259 moves along the piston rod 265 without ailecting the piston 264. Spaced adjustable stops 261 are provided on the rod 265 and are engageable by the yoke 266. During they above described return stroke of the piston` 51 the piston 26A is ,in the ,position illustrated in Fig. 22 where the pipe 262 and the cylinder 45 are in free communi- During the forwarder active stroke of the piston 46 the piston 264 is in a position where it closes o communication between the line 262 and the return line 255. When the piston 46 approaches fthe end of its active forward stroke the yoke ,266 engages a stop 261 to reverse the valve 264 and open the line V262 to the return line 255. This, of course, relieves pressure on the piston 46 and stops the forwardrstroke of the piston. Simultaneously with the opening of the valve `263 the valve 256, which has y been open during the active stroke of the piston 56, is operated Aby rengagement of the yoke 260 with la stop 26| to close off communication` between the line 253 land the return line 255. B y adjusting the stops 26| and 261 the stroke of the means I4 may be changed to feed the longitudinal frame members I0 any selected distancenateach operation.

Theactuating and control means 22 further .includes a fluid pressure system for operating the feed means I8. In the typicalarrangement illustrated in Fig. 22 the means foroperating .the cylinder and piston mechanism |29- I30 of the means I8 is in the form of a pneumatic means, it being apparent that it may be ahydraulic means, if preferred. The fluid pressure means for controlling and actuating and feed means I8 includes a compressork 268 delivering air under pressure through a pipe line269. Pipes 210 communicate with opposite ends of the cylinder |29. A manually operable valve 21| is provided to control the delivery of fiuidpressure to the cylinder pipes 210. The valve 21| may be in the natureof a balanced slide valve or piston valve and the supplyv line 269 communicates with its opposite end portions. The lcylinder llines A,210 communicate with the valve 21| at longitudinally spaced points to be alternately opened to the pipe line 269 and to a discharge 212 when the valve 21| is reversed or operated. It will be apparent how the operator bfy Vreversing or "operating the valve 21| maycontrol the means I8 to intermittently feed the stock S to the "lint A. y g H. "`M'anually controlled means 1s" provided for 'asiatico supplying fluid under pressure to the cylinders |08 of the means I1. This fluid pressure actuating means may include a valve 213 similar to the valve 21|. The air pressure supply line 269 extends to the valve 213 and has communication with its opposite end portions. Cylinder pipes 214 communicate with the valve 213 at spaced points and extend to the cylinders |08. Each pipe 214 communicates 4with one end of each cylinder |03. One pipe 214 has communication with the right end of one cylinder |08 and the left end of the other cylinder |03 and the other pipe 214 has communication with the left end of the first mentioned cylinder |08 and the right end of the second mentioned cylinder |08. This arrangement of pipes is such that reversal or operation of the valve 213 causes operation of the pistons |09 in opposite directions. Ihe valve 213 has an outlet or discharge 215 providing for the release of fluid from behind the pistons |09 during their movements.

In the operation of the machine of this invention it may be assumed that the members I0 and II are 'fed or introduced to their respective feed means I4 and I5 and that the lstock S. is being fed to the feed means I8. Assuming the parts to bein the neutral or returned conditions the operator may first operate the valve-21| to actuate the feed means I6 so that a length of stock S is fed to the unit A. The valve V may then be operated to pass fluid under pressure to the line 235. As explained above, the fluid under pressur@ in the line 255 actuates the pistons 20|, 89 and |69. These pistonsareactuated against the tension or resiliency ofthe springs 206, 95 and |15, respectively. A'ctuation of the piston 20| brings the dies |02 against thestcck S and ultimately results in the cutting off of the member I2 and the initial bending of the same. However, the resistance offered to downward movement of the piston 20| for these operations retards the movement of the pistonand the pistons 89 and |69 complete their strokes before the piston 20|. Actuation of the piston`89 moves the die 86 to its up or active'position and operation of the pistonl |69 brings the anvil dies |56 to their active positions. vWhen thepistons 20|, 89 and |69 have completed their active strokes the stock S is'cut loi.F to provide a memberv I2and the member I2 is initially bent, the die `86 is in its active position andthe anvil dies |56 are in their active positions. The line 235 remains in communication with the uid pressure supply line 232 ana the pressure `builds up inthe lines 235 and 231.

When the pressure'in the lines v235 and 231 has built upto a given value the valve 240 opens Vto admitl the"fluid` pressure to the cylinders 2I9. This operates the pistons 220 so' that the arms l 220 have been fully operated the pressure builds up in the 'line 238 and'when: it reaches a given value the valve 252 opens so that the fluid pressure is delivered to the cylinders 93 This actuates the pistons 95 tof move the bending dies`81 inwardly against the work or members II The dies'81 bend the 'members II --against the die'86 to form the bendsv I3 in the members.

Following the actuationV of the pistons 99 pres- Vsure builds up in the'line25l and when this pres- 4 sure reaches a'givenvalue the valve'254 opens -to supply uid underpr'essure to the front' vendfof the cylinder 45. At this time the valve 256 closes communication between the line 253 and the return line 255 and the piston 264 of the valve 263 is in its neutral position where the line 262 and the rear end of the cylinder 45 communicates with the return line 255 The iiuid under pressure delivered to the front end of the cylinder d returns the piston 46, the carriage 25 and the parts associated therewith to their retracted positions. Simultaneously with, or immediately following the above described operation of the pistons 99 and dies Si the operator may open or reverse the valve 213 to deliver the fluid under pressure to the cylinders |68, so that the means I7 assists the means I6 in bending the members ll and in crossing the members during their shaping or bending At the end of the cycle of operations the operator moves or opens the valve V to lput the line 235 in communication with the return 255. The springs 23B, 95, |75, 22S and |96 thereupon return their respective pistons 25|, 3S, |69, 220 and 9,6 and their respective dies |82, 86, |56, 2|6 and S7 to their retracted positions. Preparatory to the next operation the operator actuates the valve V to supply fluid under pressure to the line 252 This delivers fluid under pressure to the rear end of the cylinder 1215 and the piston 66 is moved forwardly. During the forward movement of the piston l5 the come-along units 33 advance the frame members |53 and the come-along'units 65 advance the frame members The come-along units 33 are carried by the carriage 25 to be directly moved by the piston t5 while the comealong units 65 on the carriage 51 are advanced through the medium of the above described rack and pinion diierential mechanism 'H-T2-36- 3l. At the completion of the feeding operations of the means i4 and l5 the valve V is operated to cut off the supply of iiuid pressure to the line 262. The advancement of the members l by the means i4 of course results in advancement of the completed or fabricated portion of the frame. It is to be observed that the dies 86 and 81 and the dies |55 are in their retracted positions and that the dies |82 are raised when the frame is advanced for the next operation so that the dies do not interfere with the free advancement of the frame. The valve 27| may then again be operated to provide for the advancement of the stock S into the unit A by the means I8 `and the above described cycle of operations may be repeated.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A machine for fabricating building frames comprising a tie forming unit, means for feeding rigid longitudinal frame members to the unit, fluid pressure operated means for operating said means, means for feeding a rigid transverse member to the unit to be tied to the longitudinal.

members, fluid pressure operated means for operating the last mentioned means, fluid pressure operated means for operating the tie forming unit, and a fluid pressure control for actuating the Vseveral iiuid pressure operated means in sequence.

2. A machine for fabricating a frame comprising a tie forming unit, means for intermittently feeding.'r spaced longitudinal frame members `to the unit, means for intermittently feeding adiagonal member to theunit, means for bending the diagonal member to zigzag shape before it reaches the unit, and means for feeding a transverse member tothe unit tobe tied thereby to the longitudinal and diagonal members.

'3. A machine for offsetting and securing a cross rod and one or more diagonal rods to two spaced longitudinalv rods comprising, a tie forming' unit, ymeans for intermittently feeding the longitudinal rods to said unit, means for .intermittently feedinga diagonal rod to said unit, and means for positioning the cross vrod across the longitudinal rods, said vunit including `means for 'offsetting the intermediate portion of the cross rod to lie in substantially the same plane asf the longitudinal rods and for holding the several rods in a given relation, and means for bending the end parts of the cross rod about the 1ongitudinal rods and the diagonal rods.

4. A machine for fabricating a frame having spaced longitudinal members, a zigzag brace member, and spaced transverse ties, the machine comprising means for simultaneouslyintermittently advancing the longitudinal members and the brace member, means for bending the intermediate portions of ythe ties to lie in substantially the same plane as the longitudinal member and the brace member, means for bending tie eyes in the end parts yof the ties totie them Ato the longitudinal and brace members, and a fluid pressure system for operating the several means including a single manual valve.

5. A machine for fabricating a frame having spaced longitudinal members, a zigzag brace member, and spaced transverse ties, the machine comprising means for simultaneously .intermittently advancing the longitudinal members and the brace member, die means for bending the brace member to zigzag shape, means for feeding transverse ties across the longitudinal members, means for offsetting the intermediate parts of the transverse ties to lie in substantially the same planes' as the longitudinal members, and means for forming eyes on the ties to engage about the longitudinal members and the Abrace member.

6. A machine for fabricating a frame having spaced longitudinal members, a. zigzag brace member, and spaced transverse ties, the machine comprising means for simultaneously intermittently advancing the longitudinal members and the brace member, means for bending the bracev member to zigzag shape, means for feeding the ties transversely of the longitudinal members, means for offsetting the intermediate portions of the tiesto lie in the same planes as the longitudinal and brace members, means for bending the end portions of the ties into eyes which engage about the longitudinal and brace members, and a fluid pressure system controlling the aforementioned means. Y

7. A machine for fabricating a frame having spaced longitudinal members, zigzag brace members, and spaced transverse ties, the machine comprising means for bending the brace members into zigzag shape, anvil die means for the longitudinal members and brace members, die means initially bending the transverse ties against longitudinal members and the brace members to have their intermediate portions in the same planes as the longitudinal members `and the brace members, and means for Wrapping the end portions of the ties about the longitudinal for operatingand

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